Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 18-150 near Nikiski, AK — 2014-11-27

Final reportANC15LA005
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Date
2014-11-27
Location
Nikiski, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 18-150
Registration
N9720P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing, which resulted from the pilot’s failure to use carburetor heat while operating at low-power settings in an area conducive to carburetor icing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had flown the airplane for about 20 to 30 minutes to survey the area for possible landing sites. After choosing a landing site, the pilot completed the prelanding checklist, cycled the carburetor heat on, and then placed it in the "off" position. When the airplane was established on short final for landing, the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks and applying carburetor heat, but engine power was not restored. The airplane subsequently collided with rising terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical problems that would have precluded normal operation. Another company pilot, who had landed his airplane at the same location only minutes before the accident airplane approached, stated that carburetor ice accumulated during the descent. Further, the atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the accumulation of carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings. Therefore, it is likely that, as the pilot reduced engine power, carburetor ice formed, which caused the engine to lose power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained carburetor heat during approach to prevent icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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